Stoford to build headquarters for Henkel

Midland property specialist Stoford has agreed a pre-let contract with German multi-national Henkel to build a high profile office headquarters in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

The development will be forward funded by British Steel Pension Fund (BSPF) on a new 15 year lease.

Planning has already been secured for the 35,680sq ft, ‘V’ shaped, three-storey scheme, and the building’s environmental credentials will include a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘B’.

The new building will be developed on a site that is already owned by Henkel and it is conveniently located in Wood End Lane just north of the busy town centre and near to J8 of the M1. The scheme will bring together staff from Henkel’s offices in Hatfield and Aylesbury and reaffirms Henkel’s commitment to Hemel Hempstead.

Construction will start this summer with completion scheduled for August 2014.

Gerard Ludlow, Stoford Development Manager said the new offices would enable Henkel to consolidate its UK operations into one central location.

“Hemel Hempstead’s excellent communication links from both motorway and rail networks as well as domestic and international air travel make this an ideal location. It is Stoford’s first major office development in the South East and we are delighted to be able to provide Henkel with such a landmark building.”

Henkel was founded in Germany in 1876 and operates worldwide with leading brands including Pritt Stick, Sellotape and Schwarzkopf hair products.

Liam Murphy, Country President of Henkel Ltd said: “This project is very important to us as we consolidate our operating locations around the London area and reaffirm Henkel’s customer facing organisation in the UK.”

Savills were appointed on behalf of Stoford Developments and John Arkwright & Co acted for BSPF.